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Journalism of Courage
The launch of multinational transport company Uber’s latest offering, the ‘Uber Shikara’ in the Dal Lake, has shone the spotlight on the profession.
For decades, no tourist’s itinerary in the Jammu and Kashmir valley is complete without a joyride on the Dal Lake in a shikara, an ornate wooden boat ferrying passengers. Over 4,000 shikara operators or shikarawallas rely on the vessel for their livelihood – from Dal Lake to Nigeen Lake, from Manasbal Lake to the Jhelum River.
While there is anticipation that Uber Shikara could revolutionise business in the Dal Lake, many are apprehensive about the entry of big corporate entities into the shikara space. We explain.
Dal Lake is a freshwater lake spanning 18 square kilometres in the heart of Srinagar city. It has a shoreline of around 16 kilometres and is ringed by the Zabarwan mountains on one side.
The lake is flanked by the historic Mughal gardens like Nishat and Shalimar and the Hazratbal shrine on its sides. It is also home to the Rupa Lank island, also known as Char Chinar, which houses four old and big chinar trees. Additionally, visitors are known to frequent the floating gardens and the vegetable and flower market.
The lake is dotted with hundreds of houseboats, which are favoured by both tourists seeking a memorable experience, and locals seeking respite from the scorching summer heat.
The shikara is also the only way to reach the houseboats docked inside the lake and booked by the visitors for a night stay. According to Wali Mohammad Bhat, the president of the Shikara Association, there are over 3000 shikaras inside the Dal Lake, and they are mandated by the government to charge a fixed hourly rate of Rs 800.
However, things operate differently depending on the demand and supply, so tourists are often charged the full amount, while locals are often offered discounts. Tourists do benefit from off-season discounts, and can choose to book a joyride for a shorter duration.
The ‘Uber Shikara’ is a pilot project launched by Uber. For the first fortnight, the transportation service has deployed five shikaras operating only from a single harbour, Ghat 16 in the Dal Lake. There are 30 ghats or embarkation points inside the lake, most of them along the Boulevard Road.
The ‘Uber Shikara’ service is currently offered only between 10 am and 5 pm. Uber also offers the joyrides only in one-hour slots, and allows a maximum of four passengers at a time.
Bhat said that Uber would compensate the shikarawallas at existing government rates, with commissions over and above these charges.
Some shikarawallas including Bhat say that it is a good initiative and would bring transparency. “The charges would remain uniform, which would help keep business transparent,” says Bhat. The supporters say the online booking of a Shikara would bring ease to the tourists and help grow their business.
Those opposing the move say that they fear the move will bring big corporates that would finish the business of the local poor shikarawallas. They cite the example of the Kerala local taxi drivers.
